Newcastle on verge of signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder

Newcastle United are on the brink of signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mikel Merino on a season-long loan deal, reports Sky Sports.

Merino is reportedly undergoing his Newcastle medical and will need to agree personal terms, while Rafa Benitez’s side will have the option to make the deal permanent next summer.

The Spain U21 international only joined Dortmund 12 months ago but failed to make a significant impression under former boss Thomas Tuchel and is now free to get regular playing time elsewhere.

Benitez has been left frustrated by Newcastle’s lack of activity in the transfer window and Merino would become only their fifth signing of the summer.

Merino, 21, was limited to just eight appearances in the Bundesliga last season and was often deployed at centre-back. If you discount substitute appearances, Merino averaged more passes per game than any other Bundesliga player (128.5).